As expected, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board issued an emergency rule at a special meeting yesterday that voids a claim if the claimed horse dies during that race or is euthanized on-track.

“The rule is the first in a series of actions being undertaken by the Board as a result of its analysis of the 21 equine fatalities that occurred during Aqueduct’s inner-track meet between November 30, 2011 and March 18, 2012,” the SRWB said in a statement.

The purpose of the rule is to prevent trainers from dropping unsound horses into cheap claiming races hoping they will be claimed away.

In theory, this will cut down on the number of breakdowns.

“More actions and rule changes, including enhancements to this emergency rule, may be introduced in the near future,” the board said.